WhatsApp Introduces Strict Account Settings and Strengthens Protection Against Spyware

WhatsApp has announced two new security improvements aimed at users who care deeply about privacy. The update introduces a new feature called Strict Account Settings and confirms a major internal change designed to reduce the risk of spyware attacks. Together, these steps push WhatsApp toward stronger account-level protection.



The changes focus on people who want maximum control over how their accounts work. They also improve security for everyone, even if users never touch a single setting.



A New Lockdown Mode for Maximum Security



WhatsApp is rolling out a new option called Strict Account Settings. Users can find it under Settings, then Privacy, and then Advanced. Once enabled, this mode locks several account options to their most restrictive levels.







According to WhatsApp, the feature targets users who “may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly-sophisticated cyber attacks.” The company specifically mentions journalists and public-facing figures as examples.



When Strict Account Settings is turned on, WhatsApp limits how the app behaves. Some everyday conveniences disappear in exchange for tighter control.



Key changes include:




Blocking attachments and media from people who are not in your contacts



Locking certain privacy settings so they cannot be loosened



Reducing exposure to unknown senders and potential attack paths




Anyone will be able to enable the feature once the rollout completes. However, WhatsApp makes it clear that most users do not need this level of restriction for normal use.



A Quiet but Important Change Behind the Scenes



In a separate update, WhatsApp confirmed a major internal shift aimed at fighting spyware more effectively.



The company says it has “rolled out a programming language called Rust behind the scenes” to protect user data. This change applies to photos, videos, and messages across the platform. Users do not need to enable anything or update settings.



Rust helps prevent certain classes of memory-related bugs, which attackers often exploit to plant spyware. By moving sensitive components to this language, WhatsApp reduces risk across the entire system.



This improvement applies to all users, not just those who enable Strict Account Settings.



Why WhatsApp Is Making These Changes



WhatsApp says private conversations should feel the same online as they do in person. The company emphasizes that end-to-end encryption remains the foundation of its privacy approach. At the same time, it acknowledges that some users face higher risks than others.



That reality drove the creation of Strict Account Settings. The goal is simple. Offer stronger protection for people who need it, without forcing trade-offs on everyone else.



With this update, WhatsApp combines visible controls with invisible technical upgrades. The result is a tighter security model that still keeps everyday use familiar for most users.